RIDGELY, CHARLES, was born Jan. 17, 1836, in Springfield, Illinois. He is the eldest son of N. H. Ridgely--page 616--by his second wife, who was the daughter of Jonathan Huntington, and was born in Boston, Mass. Her brother, Hon. George L. Huntington, deceased, was mayor of Springfield in 1861-2. Charles Ridgely entered the preparatory department of Illinois College at Jacksonville, in October, 1849, and in March, 1852, withdrew from the college to accept a position in Clark's Exchange Bank, which was organized at that time in Springfield by his father in connection with some eastern capitalists. June 22, 1853, he became cashier of the bank, which position he occupied until it was wound up, March 29, 1855. His father, N. H. Ridgely, succeeded to the business of Clark's bank, as a private banker. Charles took the place of cashier with him, where he continued until April 1, 1859, when he was admitted into partnership with his father in the banking business; the new firm name being N. H. Ridgely & Co. Charles' brother, William was admitted as a member of the firm April 1, 1864, and its business continued until Oct. 1, 1866, when it was merged into the Ridgely National Bank. Chas. Ridgely became vice president at the organization, and now--December, 1876--continues to hold that position. In 1871, he was mainly instrumental in organizing the Springfield Iron Company, and building the Rolling Mill at Springfield. He became, and continues to be the President of that company. As a compliment to the President of the company, the new postoffice at the mills bears the name of Ridgely. Charles Ridgely is also a member of the firm of Beard, Hickox & Co., proprietors of the North Coal Shaft. In 1870 he was honored with the nomination of the Democratic party as candidate for the office of state treasurer of Illinois, but the party being in the minority, he, in common with the entire ticket, was defeated. He has served two terms as a member of the Board of Education of the city of Springfield. He was married June 10, 1857, to Jane M., youngest daughter of James W. Barret. She was born in Island Grove, Sangamon county. They have four children; WILLIAM BARRET, EDWARD, FRANKLIN and MARY LEE. Chas. Ridgely, wife and children reside in Springfield, Ill.